Academic Pressure, Limited Space, Lack of Equipment Hinder Student Athletes – CMUL Sports Director

By Barakat Lawal, Olayinka Tortola, Nwaimo Chikelue

The Director of Sports at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), Franklin Chukwuka, said the college is facing significant challenges in promoting sports development among its students, due to academic pressure, limited space, and lack of equipment.

In an interview with UNILAG Sun, Franklin noted that Akoka campus is better in terms of sports facilities, compared to the college at Idi Araba.

“We don’t have a standard football pitch,” he said.

“We have one multi-purpose court where we play basketball, volleyball, tennis, and even sometimes handball.

 “Space is a major factor.

“We end up playing volleyball once every two weeks if we have other sports happening at the same time.”

Fraklin added that academic demands significantly impact students’ participation in sports.

 “It’s really difficult to map out time for sports because of your academics, which is your number one reason for being here,” he said.

Franklin appealed to the university management for improved facilities, adding that passion is not a factor hindering the students of the college, but limited space. 

 “We are looking for a building,” he said.

“If we can get an indoor complex just like the main campus, we can start sports like badminton up there.

“There is a little space where we can create an indoor complex.”

Franklin said that sports are vital to the mental health of students  

 “Apart from academics, we need to keep our minds on sports activities,” he said.

“If you scrape that thing out from the school, you will be overwhelmed by opening that book every day.”